There was a time when a person could acquire all necessary life skills with or without a computer. But alas, that time has come and gone, and today those without access to the internet are no longer well placed to gain the qualifications required to get ahead in life.

Now many employers won’t even consider someone without a useful online identity, let alone read a hand-written resume, portfolio or job application. Those that don’t have internet access and computer skills have been abandoned on the wrong side of the digital divide, with ever-diminishing prospects.

It’s true that everyone doesn’t require the internet, and in some ways such people can be considered fortunate. But for most of us, our very existence and wellbeing relies on computers and smart devices. Technology is required even to find a job vacancy, not to mention holding onto steady employment. The digital divide has spread to the point that even elderly must upgrade their skill-set just to maintain adequate communications with family and pay bills. The gap of the digital divide has grown into a canyon.

There’s a range of factors that influence access to the internet:

Our country of residence - Our rural or regional location

Socio-economic status - Cultural restrictions

Parental objections

The Australian Government intends to connect all Australians via broadband, but this is no easy undertaking and it is an expensive endeavor. There’s no doubt that some will miss out, and some must be patient for the cable to arrive. Then there is the question of affordability in difficult economic time.

The digital era is all-pervasive, and any Australian without access to the internet might as well be living on another planet. Ensuring secure connections for all Australian children and students is the only fair way forward.